Abbaye de Saint-Gildas-des-Bois, Romanesque Benedictine abbey in Saint-Gildas-des-Bois, France.
Abbaye de Saint-Gildas-des-Bois is a Benedictine monastery built around the 12th century from reddish sandstone and shaped by Romanesque architectural style. The structure displays typical features of the period with thick walls, rounded arches, and a simple yet solid appearance.
The monastery was founded around the year 1000 by Simon de la Roche, who brought eight Benedictine monks from Redon to honor his deceased brother Bernard. Later, the sanctuary gained prominence through the relics of Saint Gildas, which drew many visitors and religious leaders to the site.
The name comes from the relics of Saint Gildas, which arrived in the Middle Ages and drew pilgrims from across the region seeking healing and spiritual comfort. This connection to the saint shaped how people viewed and used this place for centuries.
The monastery can be reached via established paths and allows visitors to explore the structure and spaces from different angles. Those wanting to learn more about its history should check beforehand what information and resources are available during their visit.
The windows contain modern stained glass created from 2009 onward featuring portraits of ill children, transforming medical history into contemporary art. This unexpected blend of healing, history, and modern artistic vision makes the place thought-provoking for visitors.
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